Can we simulate the biomechanical effects of exoskeletons prior to workstation implementation? Application of the Forces ergonomic method

Delgado-Llamas, A. ; Marín-Boné, J. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Marín-Zurdo, J. J. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Increasingly, exoskeletons are becoming a valuable tool for prevention technicians to promote occupational health and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in industry. However, the effective implementation of industrial exoskeletons is a complex challenge. Deciding whether these devices are the optimal solution to the detected ergonomic risks at a specific workstation is not straightforward. This study presents the modelling of three commercial passive exoskeletons, one for lumbar and two for shoulder risk reduction, to be considered in the musculoskeletal risk assessment of industrial workstations. The presented modelling considers the forces and moments applied by exoskeletons to the body using the Forces ergonomic method, providing the musculoskeletal risk for each joint based on inertial motion capture data registered at each workstation. This approach is exemplified on simulated and actual production workstations. The results reveal that the modelling application allows an objective understanding of the biomechanical effects of exoskeletons. Modelling establishes a predictive tool to assess and make decisions regarding the suitability of the exoskeleton prior to implementation at a workstation.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2023.103409

Año: 2023

Publicado en: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS 94 (2023), 103409 [11 pp.]
ISSN: 0169-8141

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Proyectos de Ingeniería (Dpto. Ingeniería Diseño Fabri.)